Lon Helton Receives 2019 Radio Hall Of Fame Nomination

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Lon Helton is the only country representative among the crop of Radio Hall Of Fame nominees for 2019. Helton joins Hollywood Hamilton, the Mark & Brian Show (Mark Thompson, Brian Phelps), and Ryan Seacrest in the Music Format On-Air Personality category, which is chosen by listener voting and the Radio Hall nominating committee. The 24 nominations in six categories were determined by the organization’s Nominating Committee.

Voting for the 2019 Radio Hall of Fame Inductees began June 9 and listener voting begins July 15. Four of the categories will be voted on by a voting participant panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals. Inductees will be announced Aug. 5 and will be honored this Fall at the 31st Annual Induction Ceremony.

Helton has been host of the Country Countdown USA radio program since its inception in 1992.

Bobby Karl Works The Room, CMA Fest Edition: Carrie Underwood, Eric Church Lead Friday Lineup

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Carrie Underwood performs at CMA Fest. Photo: Courtesy CMA

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 622

The weather played cat-and-mouse with Day Two of this year’s CMA Music Fest.

The opening of the outdoor stages on Friday (June 7) was delayed because of rain and nearby lightning. But things got underway at last around 11 a.m. The Chevy Riverfront Stage was at capacity by mid afternoon. The venue remained packed throughout the three successive performances by Jordan Davis, Morgan Wallen and Hunter Hayes.

The Chevy Riverfront Stage reached at capacity for three straight performance during CMA Fest on Friday, June 7, including during Morgan Wallen’s set. Photo Courtesy CMA

At Fan Fair X in the Music City Center, Old Dominion also appeared before a capacity crowd. They were the CMA Close-Up Stage headliners of the day. In the HGTV Lodge, fans were shoulder-to-shoulder for “A Very Brady Chat.” This starred TV celebs Maureen McCormick (Marcia), Barry Williams (Greg) and Susan Olsen (Cindy). Nostalgia abounded.

At the Nashville Acoustic Corner Stage, Blanco Brown staged one of his several CMA Fest appearances. He’s a social-media phenom with his “The Git Up” song and line dance. It’s another one of those country-rap fusions. He calls it “trailer trap.”

LOCASH had everyone singing along at the Radio Disney Country Stage. It always impresses me how well the fans seem to know every lyric to every country song.

Everything was going so well. Then storms returned about 4:30 p.m., forcing the cancellation of the late afternoon outdoor shows. Performances by Scotty McCreery and Gavin DeGraw were among those affected.

But Mother Nature smiled on the fest that night. By the time we headed for Nissan Stadium, skies were clear and dry. And they stayed that way throughout outstanding sets by the festival’s strongest evening lineup.

Brantley Gilbert and Lindsay Ell perform. Photo: Courtesy CMA

Lindsay Ell performed an impressive National Anthem to inaugurate the eve. Jo Dee Messina turned in a hit-packed set consisting of “Heads Carolina,” “I’m Alright,” “Lesson in Leavin’” and “Bye Bye.”

“I have a really great job,” she said. “I love what I do. I love all of you.” This led to a Christian-testimonial interlude and a gospel number called “Reckless Love.”

Little Big Town followed. The foursome was awesome. “Pontoon,” “Better Man” and “Boondocks” preceded a march through the crowd to the pocket stage in mid field. The entire stadium fell silent, and phones lit up everywhere to create a breathtaking light display as the group performed its profound, potent ballad “The Daughters.”

Even the schmoozing in the CMA Hospitality Suite stopped temporarily. Beverly Keel, Mayor David Briley, Biff Watson, Pat Collins, Karen Clark, Laura Crawford, Liz Rose, Mike Craft, B.J. Hill and Nathan Pyle were up there working the room. It was quite a crowd.

The Recording Academy’s Shelly Maree was experiencing her first CMA Fest. The L.A. resident was marveling at how well it is run. Staging something like this in her town would be nearly impossible, she averred.

“We do this all the time,” I said. “NFL Draft? No problem.”

Shelly was already a country fan, and her favorite new discovery that afternoon had been the one-man-band performance of Morgan Evans.

Meanwhile at Nissan, LBT concluded its set with the huge hit “Girl Crush.” The group was succeeded on the pocket stage by Brantley Gilbert and Lindsay Ell, doing their duet “What Happens in a Small Town.”

Dan + Shay perform at Nissan Stadium as part of CMA Fest. Photo: Courtesy CMA

The capacity audience of roughly 70,000 erupted when Dan + Shay appeared. They have said that headlining in this venue last year was the first moment they felt that they’d made it. Staging their second straight appearance on the festival’s stadium stage, the duo was beaming with pleasure.

“Thank you, country-music fans for changing our lives,” said Dan Smyers. “Sing along if you know the words,” he added. They did. And how.

Dan provided spot-on harmony, guitar chops and band leadership while the spectacular voice of Shay Mooney filled the massive venue. Their set was flawless, including the wildly catchy “All to Myself,” the wedding favorite “Speechless,” the lovely waltz “From the Ground Up” and the wildly popular finale “Tequila.” Suffice it to say, the boys did good.

Thomas Rhett performs at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest on Friday, June 7. Photo: Courtesy CMA

Thomas Rhett was another big fan fave. The crowd truly came alive when he launched into “Life Changes.” He brought out surprise guest Jon Pardi to perform their new duet “Beer Can’t Fix.” Again, the stadium attendees went bonkers.

During the fest, Thomas was celebrating the release of his new CD, Center Point Road, so he featured its “Look What God Gave Her.” His set also included the unforgettable “Die a Happy Man.”

Hundreds who couldn’t get into the sold-out show gathered to listen outside the stadium gates and on the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.

Eric Church performs at Nissan Stadium as part of CMA Fest. Photo: Courtesy CMA

Just two weeks after selling out the stadium on his own, Eric Church returned to the scene of his triumphant, three-and-a-half-hour concert. As always, his onstage intensity drove the fans wild.

This is all the more remarkable, since he did it with a solo acoustic set. He’d given his band the night off at the last minute on Friday afternoon. Working with just his guitar, he offered a stunning, 30-minute medley of bona fide smashes.

He ranged throughout his repertoire, from the early hit “Sinners Like Me” to the current “Some Of It.” By the time he got to “Springsteen,” he had every person in the stadium in the palm of his hand.

The Queen of the Night was Carrie Underwood. The concert’s finale performer not only sang her own smashes, but brought out another fabulous surprise guest. She and rock titan Joan Jett teamed up for a run-through of Jett’s immortal “Bad Reputation,” “Crimson and Clover, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” In 2013-14, Carrie sang a rewritten version of the last named as the NFL Sunday Night Football theme “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.” So she and Jett have a connection beyond the fact that Carrie is a huge fan.

The country superstar returned to her own catalog for “Blown Away,” “Love Wins” and the concert-closing “Before He Cheats.”

When we’d driven to the site earlier in the evening, we were behind a car with West Virginia license plates reading LOVEWINS, so I know at least one group of fans was delirious with delight about Carrie’s performance. But then, so were the rest of us.

Carrie Underwood and Joan Jett. Photo: Courtesy CMA

Ryman Auditorium Announces New Icon Walk For Plaza

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The statue of Little Jimmy Dickens located at Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Courtesy Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium has announced plans for a new permanent outdoor exhibition on the venue’s grounds called Icon Walk. The Icon Walk will feature a collection of detailed bronze likenesses honoring those who have made significant contributions to the historic venue and Music City. The announcement was made during CMA Fest as part of a special matinee Opry show at the Ryman.

As the Icon Walk takes shape, new bronze statues of beloved music legends will join existing monuments to Little Jimmy Dickens and Bill Monroe. Both statues were unveiled in 2017 as part of the Ryman’s 125th anniversary celebration. The Ryman team will again collaborate with artist Ben Watts, the talent behind the current Dickens and Monroe statues. The next artists to be honored will be announced in early 2020.

“Thousands of people stop to pay homage to Monroe or pose for selfies with Little Jimmy Dickens in front of the auditorium every year, and we love seeing that,” said Ryman General Manager, Gary Levy. “As we add more stars and legends to the Icon Walk, we’ll create more opportunities to tell the story of the Ryman, Nashville, and the legends who have graced our stage.”

Today, visitors can find Little Jimmy Dickens standing atop the Ryman’s main steps facing Fourth Avenue, greeting each and every ticket holder and tour-taker as they arrive. Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass Music, stands at the corner of the northwest corner of the building near the venue’s driveway on Fifth Avenue. Monroe’s likeness is flanked by a Tennessee Historical Commission marker describing the night Bluegrass Music took the stage at the Ryman for the first time in 1945.

Chris Young Joins “Billion-Airs” Club With Two Billion Streams

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Pictured (L-R): Paige Altone (Sony Music Nashville), Caryl Atwood (Sony Music Nashville), Randy Goodman (Sony Music Nashville), Chris Young, Sarah Trahern (CMA), Dennis Reese (Sony Music Nashville), Rob Beckham (The AMG Management), Alaina Vehec (Sony Music Nashville), Kent Earls (Universal Music Publishing Group). Photo: Jeff Johnson

Chris Young joined the “Billion-Airs” club as the RCA Records Nashville artist and multi-Platinum entertainer was surprised onstage during his Artist of the Day appearance at CMA Fest with plaques commemorating his more than two billion career streams and 12 million singles sold.

“This is thanks to every single person here who has bought a CD, streamed a single or come to my concerts—I can’t thank you enough for all the support you’ve shown me and can’t wait to share more music with you soon!”

Young also teased two new songs in the last 72 hours. On Thursday, the Grand Ole Opry member stood in the hallowed circle to perform “Drowning,” an intensely personal song written with Corey Crowder and Josh Hoge. On Sunday (June 9) Young welcomed Lauren Alaina at Spotify House at Ole Red for the first-ever performance of their duet, “Town Ain’t Big Enough.” Both songs will drop to digital and streaming services in the coming weeks and will be found on his upcoming album, Raised On Country, releasing later this year.

BREAKING: ASCAP’s Mike Sistad And Kele Currier Promoted, Michael Martin Exits

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Mike Sistad, Kele Currier

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has announced that longtime ASCAP executive and songwriter advocate Mike Sistad has been promoted to Vice President and will lead its Nashville Membership team, reporting directly to Executive Vice President of Membership John Titta. Sistad has been an integral member of ASCAP’s Membership group for more than eighteen years and has nurtured and signed some of the organization’s top talent, including Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce and more.

Concurrently, ASCAP’s Kele Currier has been upped to the position of Assistant Vice President, Strategic Services, Membership, reporting to Sistad. The changes come as current ASCAP Nashville Vice President Michael Martin exits on June 14 to return to the world of music publishing.

Titta stated, “Mike has been an essential member of our Membership team for many years, and his understanding of the needs of our valuable songwriter and publisher community in Nashville is unparalleled. His reputation as a fierce advocate for songwriters and his close bonds with our Nashville members make him the perfect choice to lead our talented team in Music City.” He continued, “Kele’s dedication to the livelihoods of our songwriter and publisher members is immense. She has consistently proven her excellence as a strategic resource while delivering exceptional service to our members.”

On the departure of Martin, ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews commented, “Michael’s leadership of our Nashville team over the past four years has been extraordinary. We are excited for him as he returns to his ‘first love’ of music publishing, and we look forward to partnering with him in his new role.”

Originally from Minnesota, Sistad has worked on both the creative and business sides of the music industry. As a musician, he has performed across most of North America, including stops at the Houston Rodeo and Calgary Stampede, as well as radio and television performances including A Prairie Home Companion and the Grand Ole Opry. A Belmont University graduate, Sistad has held many roles, including a stint with legendary Muscle Shoals producer/musician Barry Beckett, an A&R executive position with Arista Records Nashville, and band member for two-time ASCAP Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year Phil Vassar. In 2001, he joined ASCAP’s Nashville Membership team as Creative Director. Sistad has previously served as both a Board Governor and Chapter Advisor for the Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy, in addition to being a CMA and ACM member, and Leadership Music alumni.

Currier’s more than twenty years in the music business began with administration and licensing positions with publishers, which led to the title of audit manager at publishing administration company Integrated Copyright Group (ICG). While at ICG, Currier met ASCAP hit songwriter Craig Wiseman, who recruited her to assist in opening his Big Loud Bucks administration arm.

As Executive Vice President, she co-managed Wiseman’s catalogs along with the catalogs of Big Tractor Publishing, Extreme Writers Group, and the hit catalogs of Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins and various independent publishers. In 2010, Currier joined ole Music Publishing as Director of Administration, where she led the U.S administration presence for their Toronto-based offices and negotiated all synchronization deals for the company and their clients. In 2013, Currier came to ASCAP in the role of Director of Strategic Services, Membership, where she handled key distribution projects for the country and Christian music markets and assisted in resolving high-level membership issues.

Luck Productions Partners With Southwest Airlines To Produce ‘Sites & Sounds’

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Nikki Lane and Lukas Nelson. Photo: Mike Adrian

Luck Productions, a rogue cultural collective headquartered in Luck, Texas, has partnered with Southwest Airlines to produce Sites & Sounds, a three-part, multimedia travel guide from the artist’s perspective. The series will feature three cities, six musicians, and a trove of exploratory content.

Episode one of Sites & Sounds features one of Nashville’s most cherished songwriters and country rockers, Nikki Lane. In the episode, fans will see Lane’s journey through Maui, as she shadows Lukas Nelson and discovers how the island has shaped him. Watch the full episode one here.

YouTube video

 

Anchored by its flagship event, the annual Luck Reunion at Willie Nelson’s ranch, Luck Productions creates experiences that embrace our past while cultivating new traditions in American roots culture. In addition to the Reunion, Luck Productions has hosted pop-up events including “Luck Mansion” residencies during Nashville’s AmericanaFest, a featured stage activation during Highwater Festival, the “Luck Hotel” content and concert series in Dallas, and the “Luck Social” supper and song series held in Luck, Texas.

Visit luckjournal.com/sitesandsounds to learn more about the series and see what episodes are coming up.

Lil Nas X, Little Big Town, Midland, Trisha Yearwood Rock Spotify House At CMA Fest Day One

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Pictured (L-R): Karen Fairchild, Cameron Duddy, Lil Nas X, Phillip Sweet, Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson, Jimi Westbrook. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify

Spotify returned to Ole Red, in Nashville for the second year in a row to celebrate Spotify House at CMA Fest with a jam packed opening day that included a welcome brunch featuring country music trio Midland, surprise appearances by Trisha Yearwood, Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts, as well as a performance by the country-trap artist who has caused quite a stir for his collaboration with Billy Ray Cyrus, Lil Nas X.

Yearwood performed her newly released single, “Every Girl In This Town” and was there to remind the crowd, “There are a lot of cool chicks making music right now.”

Pictured: Trisha Yearwood performs at Spotify House during CMA Fest at Ole Red on June 06, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify

Spotify House started the day with an exclusive welcome brunch and panel discussion on the rooftop of Ole Red featuring a lively conversation with Spotify’s Head of Artist & Label Marketing, Nashville, Brittany Schaffer, Spotify’s Global Head of Communications, Dustee Jenkins, and country trio Midland.

Spotify also announced an exclusive new podcast with Midland which lead singer, Mark Wystrach, humorously described as “a discovery and an adventure, jump on board… but get life insurance first.”

Pictured (L-R): Head Of Global Communications and Public Relations at Spotify, Dustee Jenkins, Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy, and Jess Carson of musical group Midland. Photo: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images for Spotify

Throughout the day and night, fans lined up around the block to catch performances by country music artists Maddie & Tae, Tenille Townes, Lauren Alaina, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jameson Rodgers, Rodney Atkins, Dylan Scott, Noah Schnacky, Morgan Wallen and HARDY. Rascal Flatts performed their new hit song, “Back to Life” and had everyone singing along to “Life Is A Highway,” Little Big Town played several of their biggest hits including “Boondocks.”

Pictured: Joe Don Rooney, Gary LeVox, and Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts. Photo: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images for Spotify

Hunter Hayes returned for a second year to perform his hits, “One Shot,” “Somebody’s Heartbreak” and “Yesterday’s Song.” Midland then took the stage for a roaring good time performing their new single from their upcoming album, “Mr. Lonely.”

Pictured: Hunter Hayes. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify

The most anticipated performance of the night came from breakout music star Lil Nas X, who has taken the music world by storm with “Old Town Road.” The crowd went wild when he took the stage with surprise guest Billy Ray Cyrus and sang along to the chart-topping hit.

Pictured (L-R): Chaka Zulu; Head of Artist & Label Marketing-Nashville at Spotify, Brittany Schaffer; Lil Nas X; Billy Ray Cyrus; Global Head of Country Music at Spotify, John Marks. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify

Pictured: Little Big Town. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify

Pictured: Head of Artist & Label Marketing-Nashville at Spotify, Brittany Schaffer and Lauren Alaina. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify

Pictured: Global Head of Country Music at Spotify, John Marks and Mitchell Tenpenny. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify

Pictured: Jameson Rodgers. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify

Pictured: Head of Artist & Label Marketing-Nashville at Spotify, Brittany Schaffer and Tenille Townes. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify

Pictured: Lil Nas X, Cameron Duddy of Midland, and Mark Wystrach of Midland. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify

Dwight Yoakam, LOCASH, Cassadee Pope Slated To Play A Taste Of Colorado Music Festival

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The Downtown Denver Partnership, producers of A Taste of Colorado, have revealed the music lineup for the 36th annual festival, including country artists Dwight Yoakam, LOCASH, and Cassadee Pope. Colorado’s largest music and food festival will include over 30 national and regional musical artists featured throughout the three-day Labor Day weekend (Aug. 31 – Sept. 2, 2019).

“We are thrilled to build upon the hugely successful rebrand of last year’s festival with this sensational and diverse music lineup for 2019. There is definitely something for everyone as we touch on many generations and genres of music,” said Sharon Alton, Vice President of Downtown Experience at the Downtown Denver Partnership.

A special pre-sale VIP ticket offer begins Friday, June 14 at 10 a.m.—Monday, June 17 at 9:59 a.m. for $99. Regular priced tickets for The Capitol VIP Experience go on-sale June 17 at 10:00 a.m.. Tickets can be purchased at www.axs.com.

New Music Roundup: Ryan Hurd, GONE WEST, Rachel Wammack, Chase Rice

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Ryan Hurd Releases New ‘Summer’ Tune

Ryan Hurd is releasing new music, “Her Name Was Summer,” and making his debut on the Chevy Riverfront Stage during CMA Music Festival on Sunday, June 9 in Nashville. The new tune was written by Hurd with Aaron Eshuis and Mike Walker.  “Her Name Was Summer” is the romantic counter punch to Hurd’s current single “To A T,” which continues to climb the country radio charts.

 

GONE WEST Contemplates ‘What Could’ve Been’

GONE WEST is releasing their first single “What Could’ve Been” today. GONE WEST members include Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat, songwriter Jason Reeves, Hawaiian Music Award winner Justin Kawika Young and Grammy, ACM and CMT nominee Nelly Joy.  GONE WEST produced and wrote the track with Jamie Kenney. The foursome play CMA Fest for the first time this week, appearing at Chevy Riverfront Stage on Sunday, June 9.

 

Rachel Wammack Debuts ‘Something People Say’

Rachel Wammack has a new single out today,“Something People Say.” The new tune, co-written by Wammack with Sam Ellis and Derrick Southerland, is being released in the midst of a whirlwind week of performances and appearances for Wammack around the CMA Fest.

“It’s been an incredible week and it’s not even over,” says Wammack. “I’ve seen people I met on the road this past year and made new friends I know I will be seeing again in the future. It’s connecting with music lovers from all of the country, and the world, that makes this week so memorable.”

 

Chase Rice Reveals New Single ‘Lonely If You Are’

Chase Rice is back at it with a new single, “Lonely If You Are,” which he announced from the stage of Ascend Amphitheater at CMA Fest last night (June 6).

“‘Lonely If You Are’ starts out simply with just an acoustic guitar, which is a different sound for me than what people might be used to, but it also goes back to how I started in Nashville—when it was just me with a guitar writing songs,” explains Rice of the Chris DeStefano-produced song. “Lyrically, it’s telling this special girl that even though we might not officially be together right now, ‘go ahead—have a good time with your friends… but when that all fades away, give me a call. I’ll be there.’ I wrote this song with Lindsay Rimes and Hunter Phelps, and it’s been the front-runner to follow ‘Eyes On You’ since the day we wrote it, so I can’t wait for the fans to hear this one.”

Bobby Karl Works The Room: 2019 CMA Fest Day One

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Kelsea Ballerini performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 621

It looks like the 2019 CMA Fest is going to be one for the record books, and I don’t mean attendance.

The record I’m talking about is, “Wettest CMA Fest in history.”

On opening day on Thursday (June 6), it drizzled lightly all day long. This did not deter the merry makers on Music Row, where SunTrust’s annual Hot Dog Day had a capacity crowd. Nor did it deter the downtown concert goers from grooving to the sounds.

Billy Currington performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA

Billy Currington launched the festivities at Riverfront Park at 10 a.m. with “Don’t It.” Also that morning, Miranda Lambert held her Mutt March puppy parade downtown. She was joined by Dan Smyers of Dan + Shay, plus her new hubby, Brendan McLoughlin, and roughly 1,000 pet lovers.

Pictured (L-R): Beverly June Hughes, Miranda Lambert, Dan Smyers, Abby Smyers at the #MuttNationMarch. Photo: Facebook/Miranda Lambert

Inside the mercifully dry Music City Center, Miranda once again staged her dog-adoption booth at Fan Fair X. I have a feeling that this venue’s indoor stages are going to be particularly popular this year.

Tens of thousands donned plastic ponchos to brave the rain that fell throughout most of the debut show that night at Nissan Stadium. Many others trouped into the East Bank venue with no rain gear at all.

Following the National Anthem performance by students from the Nashville School of the Arts, Sarah Trahern and Mayor David Briley declared the Fest officially open. Enduringly great legend Tanya Tucker kicked things off with “It’s a Little Too Late.”

Tanya’s daughters Presley Tucker and Layla Laseter sang backup for their mom. So did Brandi Carlile, who co-produced Tanya’s new album with Shooter Jennings. She harmonized splendidly on the legend’s affecting new single, “The Wheels of Laredo,” and the two women duetted on the set-closing “Delta Dawn.”

Tanya did a splendid job, which was all the more admirable since she was stepping in at the last minute to substitute for Marty Stuart. Just hours before showtime, Marty cancelled, citing a “personal family matter” as the cause.

Tanya Tucker performs with Brandi Carlile at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA

By the time Kane Brown hit the stage, it was pouring rain. He sang from the heart on the ballad “Homesick,” which was a standout tune of his set. Everyone sang along during his finale, “Good As You.”

From this point on, the concert was characterized by interminable waits between acts. Midland performed its latest, “Mr. Lonely” on a pocket stage in the midst of the crowd.

Midland performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA

Next up was Kelsea Ballerini. She opened with “Peter Pan” and hit a high point with a stomping treatment of “I Miss Me More.” The set closer was another highlight, her “This Feeling” collaboration with surprise guests The Chainsmokers. Kelsea and Thomas Rhett will be cohosting the Aug. 4 ABC-TV special about the fest. This will be their second year in this role.

When it wasn’t raining, it was drizzling. But the fan enthusiasm never flagged. We were ever so glad to be high and dry in the CMA Hospitality Suite.

The schmoozing there was cranked up to 10, no matter who was on stage below us. R.J. Curtis, Neal Spielberg, Debbie Linn, Joe Galante, Dennis Banka, Chuck Aly and JoAnn Berry were working the room.

Zach Farnum arrived with Randy Travis. After we embraced, Randy’s wife Mary reported that the Country Music Hall of Famer had spent two hours in the Fan Fair hall, meeting and greeting throngs of folks that afternoon.

Steve Buchanan had his new management client in tow, new Sony signee and Thursday’s Broadway stage standout Colin Elmore. He’s a singer-songwriter who hails from central Missouri, a region that has previously given us Porter Wagoner, Jan Howard, Don Warden and other greats. Long, tall Colin writes for Steve’s ex, publisher Ree Guyer, and is working with producer Marshall Altman.  

Meanwhile, suite denizens Heather McBee, Becky Brenner, Jeremy Bradford, Brett Woolcott, Steve O’Brien, Ellen May and Sherod Robertson kept an eye on the weather and an ear on the music. Larry McCormick, Lauren Tingle, Cindy Watts, Jason Kempin and an international press corps kept tabs, too.

Brothers Osborne performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA

Here’s one reason to have hope for the country genre: The music of Brothers Osborne. Lead singer T.J. Osborne is a natural-born frontman, as well an expressive vocalist. Brother John Osborne’s guitar work is up there with the finest. The siblings came out with guns blazing in the one-two volley of  “Stay a Little Longer” and “Shoot Me Straight.”

Their surprise guests were Brooks & Dunn. T.J. and Ronnie Dunn swapped vocals on “Hard Working Man.” Then Kix Brooks was joined by Ashley McBryde. Ashley, Kix and Ronnie took “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone” out for a harmony-drenched spin. The Osbornes closed with that ultimate set closer, “It Ain’t My Fault.”

Brooks and Dunn and Ashley McBryde perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA

This music evidently connected with the heavens, because the rain eased up around 11 p.m. But due to the long delays between acts, there were still two headliners left to play.

Rascal Flatts performed mostly classics. Fans went wild for “I Like the Sound of That,” “Life Is a Highway,” “Praying for Daylight” and more.

“This rain ain’t gonna stop us,” proclaimed the group’s Joe Don Rooney. “We’re going to party all night long.” By that time, it was after midnight and raining again.

Florida Georgia Line closed the night with country-boy charm and guest appearances by Morgan Wallen and HARDY. “Cruise,” “Meant to Be,” “Up Down,” “This Is How We Roll” and other faves rocked the soaked fans.

“You can’t keep a bunch of hard-headed rednecks from standing in the rain,” observed T.J. Osborne.

By Friday morning, the rain had become a downpour. Due to lightning and thunder in the area, the opening of the downtown outdoor venues was delayed. Flash-flood warnings were posted. Forecasters were predicting a deluge for that night’s Nissan show. Like I said, this will be one for the record books.

Rascal Flatts perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA

Florida Georgia Line performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA

Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. vperforms at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA

Kane Brown performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA

Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Ed Rivadavia (VP Digital Strategy), Liz Cost (Artist Team Lead), Maverick Management’s Marne McLyman, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, Sony Music Nashville’s Lauren Thomas (Director of National Promotion), Arista Nashville’s  Josh Easler (VP Promotion), Sony Music Nashville’s Scott Stachelski (VP Finance). Photo: John Shearer